Pennsylvania State Grants

A variety of state grants allow Pennsylvania residents to receive assistance to attend PHEAA-approved institutions, including public schools, private 4-year colleges, nursing schols, and technical, trade, or business schools.

The PHEAA offers the Pennsylvania State Grant to students in Pennsylvania who have financial need (as determined in the FAFSA).

Other special state grants include:

Aid for Veterans and National Guard Members
These grants are geared toward members of any branch of the U.S. military and their families. They include grants for veterans, children of soldiers declared POW/MIA and more.

New Economy Technology Scholarships
These scholarships are targeted to students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, or allied health, and who agree to work in Pennsylvania for a certain number of years after graduation Unlike other areas of state financial aid, these are not awarded based on financial need.

Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program
This is awarded to children of Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, rescue workers, National Guard members, or corrections employees who died in the line of duty after January 1, 1976. The money can be used only toward public schools, and only after all other grants (federal, local, and scholarships) have been used.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
This is a federal scholarship administered by the PHEAA to students who rank in the top 5 percent of their graduating class, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and scored 1150 or higher on the SAT, 25 or higher on the ACT, or 3550 or higher on the GED.

Work-Study Programs

The state-sponsored program provides you with employment in technology and community-service fields while you're in school.

You'll gain on-the-job experience while earning money to help pay for college. Students work part-time, no more than 20 hours per week (up to 40 hours per week in the summer).

All students should apply for the above aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), more commonly known as the FAFSA. Most schools have their own financial aid applications in addition to the FAFSA. It's a good idea to check with a school's financial aid department about specific procedures and deadlines, as they vary.

State aid is of course only part of the package. Learn more about applying for federal aid and scholarships in Pennsylvania.